All Our Love

By G. Whitman

 

Love is all around Hope Regional Hospital.

Sherri and Bill are a couple again now that their children are young adults. As Sherri works as a
liaison between the bank and the hospital during some renovations, Sherri's recent medical
diagnosis tests the strength of their love.

Joan enjoys her job as an OB/GYN for Hope Regional, but life conspires to get her and
Jonathan Hudson Hope together. As a widower, Joan is not interested in the much younger
Jonathan, but Jonathan is intrigued by Joan. Will a trauma in Joan's past and Jonathan's
teenage twin children , be insurmountable to a healthy relationship.

Louise and Sean are young and have their lives ahead of them. Too bad they don't take the time
to attempt any meaningful relationships. While Sean is the construction manager of the hospital
renovation and Louise's job in marketing at the hospital don't immediately bring them together,
looks across the room may just be the chemistry that does.

Three interconnected stories and all with HEA, of course

• Language: English
• Publisher: G. Whitman
• Release date: Dec 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781507059661

G. Whitman

I believe in Happily Ever After. I'm always looking for the silver lining and hope to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I find life absolutely hysterical sometimes and try not to take myself too seriously. I also love watching sports- football, hockey, baseball. I read romance, but I also love a good mystery thriller. You can email me at [e-mail]

Book preview

LOVE

One of those mysteries we have yet to figure out.

We know it when we’re in it and, conversely, out of it.

How do we keep love, find love, and gloriously make love?

Isn’t that the million-dollar question?

G. Whitman

Sheri and Bill

Chapter 1

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS. Sheri heard herself and realized she had channeled her inner John McEnroe. Are you sure?

Sheri, you knew the answer before you came in today. Are you surprised at my answer?

Joan, I’ve been in menopause for years. I haven’t had a period in almost a year.

I told you these things could happen. If you didn’t stay on the pill, then use other protection.

Sheri looked at Joan for a long time. She had been her OB/GYN since the beginning of Joan’s practice. Joan had delivered her two kids and had been there when she miscarried one in between. At fifty-three years old, she couldn’t be pregnant.

I’m pregnant, Sheri said softly.

You were right. You’re about six weeks along. So, you know when you conceived? Joan tried a smile.

On our vacation in Maine. We were pretty active.

Sheri, you said it like it was a bad thing.

It was great, but oh, Lord. The gravity of it all came rushing into her head. What do I do?

Get dressed. We’ll talk in my office.

Sheri thought the buttons on her blouse felt too big for the buttonholes. She almost fell putting on her pants. Concentration wasn’t working.

Her daughter, Beth, was living in the city with her friends. They all got great jobs as nurses. Will was a senior in college this year and would graduate in the spring. Sheri and Bill were looking for some couple time again. They couldn’t raise a baby. Could they?

A knock on the door brought Sheri back to the present. She opened it to the nurse.

Dr. Haverhill is in her office.

Thanks. I’m heading right in there.

Walking into Joan’s office, Sheri plopped down on one of the chairs.

You first, she said to Joan. I don’t even know what to think.

Let me start by saying you are healthy, and you’re not the first person this has happened to.

Thanks. I think.

Menopause is not a particular time period. That is why we recommend some sort of birth control for a while. Even if you haven’t had a period in almost a year, your body is still able to produce eggs. You still may be ovulating.

I guess I should have paid more attention.

What do you want to do?

I don’t know. Sheri took a minute to think. I’m too old to start again.

Do you want to schedule a termination?

Sheri let out a laugh, then had tears running down her cheeks. So many emotions, and all at the same time.

Termination. That’s a powerful word.

You have time to think about it.

I need to talk to Bill.

Of course.

There are a lot of risks, aren’t there?

You know there are. It’s okay. I’ll give you some things to read. You have my number. Call anytime.

Thanks, Joan.

SHERI DROVE HOME AND wasn’t sure how she did. She didn’t remember driving at all. Auto pilot for her brain kicked in. Curled up on the couch with a cotton blanket around her shoulders, Sheri relived her day.

Bill had already left for the day when she woke up sick to her stomach. Her head spun when she got out of bed and barely made the bathroom before she threw up. Since Bill ate the same food, she ruled out food poisoning. She didn’t get sick, so this puking thing was new to her. Other than drinking and puking in college, the only other time she felt sick to her stomach was when she was pregnant.

As the thought ran through her head, she didn’t think of it as a possibility. She was going through menopause, for God’s sake. She and Bill had a healthy sex life, she guessed. There were those periods when they got so caught up with their lives and their physical relationship went by the wayside. Then, they took the time to reconnect.

Sheri went to the drugstore and bought a home pregnancy test. When she saw it was positive, her frantic call to Joan was immediate. The panic in her voice got her in to see Joan immediately.

Damn her body for having eggs, damn Bill for having healthy sperm, and damn those armless rockers. Sheri couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She loved Bill, and if she was going to get pregnant, a week in Maine was the way to do it.

They hadn’t scheduled a week in Maine. It had fallen in their lap. Sheri’s coworker Betty had the week planned, but minor surgery was needed, and she couldn’t go. Betty knew Sheri hadn’t even planned vacation for the year when Betty offered it. Sheri was in definitely I need a break mode. It took two seconds for Bill to say yes. Evidently, he needed a break as well.

The cottage was off the dunes from the water. It was one of those places you couldn’t build anymore because of bylaws and environmental people. All cottages offered some privacy, and it suited both fine.

There were two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. It was a small bathroom with only a shower, which suited Bill. Who needed a tub? After they dropped off their clothes, they had dinner in town. Once dinner was done, they bought a few groceries for the week. A hand-in-hand walk on the beach rounded out their night.

Bill took a shower first. When Sheri finished hers, she expected Bill to either be reading or asleep.

Bill? she called out.

On the porch.

The porch ran the length of the cottage looking over the dunes and the ocean. Only the moon’s brightness illuminated outside.

What are you doing out here? she questioned. After almost thirty years, he hadn’t changed much. As a runner, he kept in shape, and if it weren’t for the gray peeking through at his temples, he could have passed for twenty years younger.

It was such a nice night, and the waves called my name.

So, you thought you’d come out here in your underwear to watch the waves.

Yes. This rocking chair is quite nice. It’s soothing to rock. I never realized before. He looked at her up and down. You’re not wearing much yourself.

I’m wearing a night shirt because I was going to bed. I would have worn something warmer if I knew I’d be hanging out here on the porch with you.

I’ll keep you warm.

Sherri knew that glean in his eyes and could certainly see the bulge rapidly growing. He put out his hand. Sit with me.

She took his hand. What do you have in mind?

Well, it is an armless rocker. Sit in my lap, and my kisses will keep you warm.

They will?

It’s a start. For now.

Sheri sat straddled in his lap. His hands took each side of her face and brought her in to him to kiss her deeply. With her hands on his chest, she took his tongue, and her body rubbed up against his hard cock.

Someone’s growing, Sheri said as she pulled away.

In this straddled position, Bill had access to her whole crotch. His hand gently rubbed, then his middle finger rubbed up and down.

You are so wet. He kissed her. I want to make you wetter.

His hand proceeded to splay her wet folds, so he could touch every part of her. She groaned when Bill pinched slightly and found her hard nub. His middle finger fucked her slowly and gently. He hadn’t done this in a while and wondered why. Seeing his wife slowly come gave him great pleasure.

Bill, I’m so close.

I know. He started to move faster. Look at me, Sheri.

Please, her breath was ragged as she pleaded.

Look me in the eyes. I want to watch you come. He moved a second finger inside. His thumb played with her nub, moving faster and harder as he found her pleasure point. She shattered and came in waves.

Bill. She was hardly able to breathe.

There was something so raw and beautiful when she came. It made him happy making her happy. I love doing that to you.

With her mouth hard on his, Sheri had been able to pull Bill’s cock out of his underwear and stroked him hard.

I need you in me. Her breaths were shallow.

Sherri moved off and pulled her nightshirt over her head, much to Bill’s appreciation. He lifted his hips slightly as she pulled off the cotton boxers.

Come back here then.

You need to be harder. Spread your legs.

Bill spread his legs as directed. This was a game they played. Sherri always said she wanted him harder and did everything in her power to make him hard.

Her hands gently cupped his balls before giving them squeeze. She kissed the top of his cock before her tongue quickly made its way around. When she sucked the head, he groaned out loud. Her mouth, tongue, and hands made their way all over his harder cock. He closed his eyes when she took him deeper in her mouth.

I’m not going to last long if you keep sucking me.

Sheri straddle him again and slid his hard dick up and down against her wet folds. She slowly took him in her inch by inch, her walls tingling all around him.

Rock slowly, she whispered. They didn’t move, but the rocking motion moved him in and out of her. They matched thrusts to the rocking. Sheri wasn’t sure why, but this rocking fuck felt wickedly decadent. Rock a little faster.

As commanded, Bill rocked faster. With his hands on her ass, he pushed her down on his erection. His mouth found each nipple to lick and suck.

Come with me, he cried out. With his finger playing with her and a few more strokes, they shattered. The rocking continued as they touched and kissed.

Damn, Bill.

Can we get one of these for our house? Bill asked then chuckled.

I think we need another shower.

THEY SHOWERED TOGETHER. Bill got out first, and Sheri lingered. When she entered the bedroom, Bill had lit some candles and all the pillows laid out on the bed.

What’s all this? she asked.

Bill walked over to her. He removed his towel and then her towel.

We don’t spend enough naked time. Whether we touch, kiss, cuddle or we fuck, make love. Whatever label we choose, let’s make sure we make the time. Bill took Sheri in his arms and softly kissed her lips.

Which one is tonight?

He raised one eyebrow. All of the above.

Okay.

Lie back on the pillows. Sheri lay on the pillows as Bill went to the end of the bed. Spread your legs. I want to see you.

Sheri pulled up her knees and put her feet flat on the bed. When she slowly opened her legs, she winked and breathed, Now what?

I’m going to let my eyes feast on your beautiful body. Then I’m going to kiss, lick, suck, and taste you until you come for me.

And then?

I’ll put my cock inside you and fuck you so good until you and I come again, again, and again.

Sheri cried out when his tongue finally plunged into her. Everything about the way he moved against her sensitive folds made her gasp with pleasure.

Fuck yes, she cried when Bill pinched her nipples then sucked hard. She quivered deeply as the orgasm took over. Her legs were pulled wider when Bill plunged into her with one stroke. Wet and hot like he wanted.

Harder or deeper? was his question.

Deeper.

He pushed her legs back, so he lunged as deep as he could go. With each stroke, Bill knew he was closer and closer to the edge.

Baby, you feel so good. I won’t be able to hold back much longer.

Come inside me, Bill.

Sheri screamed yes as her climax came hard. Bill was right behind her, as he stroked inside her. He let himself linger inside her as he caught his breath.

She curled into Bill and under his arm as he laid back on the bed. His heart still beat fast as she laid her head against his chest.

Bill pulled his face to hers and kissed her. I love you so much, Sheri.

I love you too, Bill.

His chest rose as he chuckled. We can’t go all night like we did in our twenties.

True. I think we’re doing a fine job now.

I will always want to make love to you, Sheri. It may not be this interesting but know I will always want you. He kissed her eyes shut. Sweet dreams, baby.

SHERI WOKE IN THE EVENING. Bill spooned her with his head breathing heavily into the nape of her neck. His arms tightly around her seemingly wanting to bring her closer to him.

She loved that they were sleeping naked. They didn’t sleep naked anymore. At home they put on clothes after making love. Sheri wasn’t sure why it was important now their two kids were out of the house. She’d have to discuss more naked time when they got home. She sighed happily and fell back asleep.

It had been a while since she had awoken to Bill’s morning erection on her back. Damn, he was hard. She turned her head slightly and softly kissed him.

He kissed her back before opening his eyes. Good morning.

It is, she replied. Do you always wake up this hard?

Not always. He sucked on her lower lip. Get on your hands and knees and together we’ll take care of things.

Sheri turned and lifted her ass off the bed waiting for him. Bill was barely awake, but his dick knew exactly what to do. Thank God for muscle memory. He was soon awake and stroked harder and deeper each time. When she came, he was a few strokes behind her. They made love every morning of their vacation this way.

SHERI NOT GETTING PREGNANT before was probably a small miracle. They made love every day, at least twice a day. Well, they had plenty of sperm swimming around for a week.

She had texted Bill this morning when she wasn’t feeling well to tell him she was home sick. This was before all the impending news. Sheri needed to tell Bill right away. How would he take the news? The kitchen door opened. She’d know soon enough.

How are you feeling? he asked when she walked into the kitchen.

Better. What do you have in the bag?

You said you weren’t feeling good, so I went to the deli to get chicken soup and some crusty bread.

Thank you. She kissed his cheek.

Another? he said as he pursed his lips.

Of course. She kissed his sweet lips. What are you eating?

Pastrami. Bill pulled out a deli sandwich three inches thick and some potato salad.

That sandwich is big enough to feed a family of four.

I know. Did you want to eat now?

Could we wait? I’d like to talk.

All right. He looked at her seriously. Are you okay?

Yes. Of course. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be maudlin.

Want to snuggle on the couch?

I would like to very much.

Bill took her hand, kissed it, and let his eyes smile at her before he led the way into the living room. He sat at his end of the couch and pulled her in close to him.

You feel cold, he said as he took the blanket to cover her. Is that better?

Perfect.

Bill had learned a long time ago to not question, but to let Sheri be when she was like this. He didn’t know what this was. She wasn’t feeling well, wanted to talk, and needed to be held. He would hold her forever, if she asked.

After few minutes she spoke softly. I’m sorry. I’m being weird.

You’re not being weird. Can I get you something?

Sheri sat up. No. I want to talk for a minute.

Okay.

Do you remember our vacation in Maine?

Bill grinned. Of course, I do.

Remember I said I was going through menopause?

Yes. He looked at her quizzically. I’m guessing there’s a connection.

Yes. She began to cry and couldn’t speak.

Bill watched her cry as she began to hyperventilate. He pulled her in close. Baby, you need to tell me what’s wrong.

He stroked her hair as she cried into his chest. Rubbing her back didn’t stop the crying. There were only three other times in their lives when Sheri got hysterically emotional like this. It couldn’t be. He put two and two together.

Sheri, sweetie, he said quietly, Are you telling me you’re pregnant?

Sheri stopped crying, sat up and wiped her eyes. Yes.

Bill didn’t know what to think or what to say. He simply let out a large breath. Tell me everything, he finally said.

I hadn’t had a period in a while. So, I went off the pill. I thought I was okay.

Evidently not.

I should have been more careful. I figured I got pregnant when we were on vacation in Maine. We were having sex three times a day, so I can’t really be surprised.

Bill played some of those scenes in his head. They did have a good time. I guess it’s good to know my sperm is working properly.

Sheri laughed. It was good to see her laugh. Not exactly what I thought.

Do you know for sure you’re pregnant?

Yes. Somewhere in my head I figured it out and bought a home pregnancy test. When it said pregnant, I called Joan, and she saw me right away.

I don’t know what to think.

Almost what I said to Joan. Sheri looked down to her fumbling fingers. We’re too old to start again, but when she said termination, I got confused and turned around.

Because we had a hard time getting pregnant and the miscarriage.

Yes.

I know you’ve had all day to process this, but I need to think. Can we have something to eat, and we’ll talk again after dinner?

BILL HEATED HER SOUP, and they ate at the kitchen table. He ate half his sandwich and would take the rest to work the next day. The conversation was innocuous. She asked about his day. Bill knew he should say something but had no idea what.

He knew, and they both knew. They didn’t want to start again with a baby. If this happened ten years ago, it was probably a different discussion. It was time for the two of them, and he was looking forward to it. What they hadn’t even discussed was the physical toll on her body. A baby born to older women had a higher rate of various medical issues. Would they, or could they, deal with that? What would their adult children think and say? They needed to be part of the discussion at some point.

I’m sorry, Sheri. I need time to think some more. Bill finished loading the dishwasher.

I know. Me too. We have some time.

He pulled her into his arms. Good. We’ll get through this.

I know.

I’m going to take a shower.

I think I’ll read for a little.

Sheri tried reading, but her head couldn’t get around the words. They all seemed jumbled. She walked into the bathroom, took off her clothes, and stepped into the shower with Bill.

Do you mind?

Never. Bill moved so she could get under the shower head.

I know I’m being selfish, but can we make love tonight?

I like selfish. His hands on her hips brought her to him. "Here or